We can confidently assert that Pandacan depots exceed international and Philippine standards on safety and pollution control, but we recognise that the communities around the facility and other stakeholders would want this to be corroborated by a reputable and independent body.
We are willing to shoulder the expenses for this assessment provided that the risk assessor is among the global top 10 in this field, in order to ensure their competence and credibility.
Since 2002, we have taken extra steps to reassure the residents around the Pandacan terminal by scaling down our operations (removal of LPG storage and reduction of other fuel storage tanks) and creating a green buffer zone.
Beyond these, Chevron, Petron and Shell each have their own separate initiatives to further scale down Pandacan operations. Petron, for example, is in the process of identifying alternative sites where it can relocate portions of its jet fuel storage operations. This comes as a result of Petron’s commitment to both the Mayor of Manila and to his Eminence Cardinal Rosales that it will reduce the concentration of its inventory facilities in Pandacan.
To move this proposal forward, we will send separate invitations to key stakeholders, including the national government, Manila City Hall, the Catholic Church, and safety and environmental experts to be part of a Multi-sectoral Assessment Panel that will oversee the selection of the risk assessor and monitor the assessment process and its findings.
We hope that the third-party assessment will lay all the issues to rest by providing an objective and fact-based evaluation of the Pandacan depots’ safety and environment management systems. The public deserves to know
| 
